So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Romans 7:21-24
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
We all try and be good people, well most of us anyway. But we fall short of the glory of God. I feel that generally I am a pretty good person. I try and give all I can to my family, do a good job at work, help others when I can, smile and encourage… but there is a side of me that is very opposite of this. A side that I don’t like and when she (that side) comes out. I don’t like me very much and feel like that wretched man that Paul speaks of.
My mind- what a wonderful and dangerous place, some of you may relate. I have wonderful ideas, intentions, thoughts. Ideas of ways to improve my life and things to implement to make my family’s life better and easier. Intentions of making things happen, structuring my day and activities, giving priority to those things that need to be prioritized and thought of good will, someday plans, seeing something and it reminds me of someone and thinking “I should get that for them” or “they would really like that.” But to be honest probably 90% or more don’t happen, even though the intention is 100.
Then there is the dangerous side- the irritations that build, the complaints, the frustrations, the “oh my gosh’s” or worse. My mind is my own worst enemy at times. Comparing, Complaining, Compulsive, Critical and Cranky. And the journey down the rabbit whole begin. And where it ends, nobody knows. This is the war that wages making me prisoner of my own sin that works against me and all those I love. All it takes sometimes is one little spark to start that rabid rabbit down that hole. Sometimes it’s too much, sometimes it’s hard to control. I don’t know if any of you relate…
But if you do… there is hope! Lots of hope. Paul encourages us in 2 Corinthains 12:9 that Christ’s love is sufficient for us- His power is made perfect in our weakness. His power is made perfect in my weakness. How these words provide calmness, comfort, compassion, confidence and contentment. And the journey starts. The journey in taking thoughts captive, gaining a new perspective, and by this, in my weakness it is Christ’s power that rests on me, in my heart and in my mind. The war ceases, the victory is won. Thank you, Jesus!
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